Gippsland Set for Night of Nights

Thursday, 03 October 2002 00:00

The evening, to be compered by Drew Morphett, is being held after a Sale Turf Club meeting, so it will be a big day for Gippsland based race-goers.

Nominations for the prestigious Gippsland Horse of the Year award include Blacktype Magic, Boortkoi Mustang, Ironbark Mac, Out of Options, Rapid Waters, Shagny’s Sheila and Sheer Special. Both Boortkoi Mustang and Sheer Special are entered for Sale on Friday.

Senior trainers’ premiership winner was Sale based Ian Hutchins (18 wins), while the senior jockeys’ title went to Vlad Duric (33 wins) and the apprentices award was taken out by Reece Wheeler (15 wins).

Media Release - Tim Bull (Gippsland Racing)

Race 2 - Milawa Gourmet Region Maiden Plate

Monday, 30 September 2002 00:00

Geelong (Vic)

Wednesday, 02 October 2002 00:00

Riding Changes:

Race 1 - Reilly's U-drive Fillies & Mares Maiden Plate - 1321 metres:

At the start 'Free Me' was tightened for room between 'Enzed Zabeel' and 'Bush Honey' which jumped inwards. Shortly after straightening 'Free Me' was checked over the heels of 'Ambered'

Race 2 - Chargold Project Management Super Vobis 3yo Maiden Plate - 1726 metres:

During the race the saddle of 'Forest Man' slipped forward placing Christine Cole at a disadvantage in riding the gelding.

Near the 600 metres 'Forest Man' shifted out and brushed 'Bently San' which unbalanced both horses.

Approaching the home turn 'Tasman Trader' was held up.

Race 3 - St Albans Stud Maiden Plate - 1726 metres:

Near the 500 metres 'Brilliant General' was held up when unable to obtain a clear run behind 'Man In A Rush' which was weakening.

Brett Prebble rider of 'Sir Danzabaa' which performed below expectations explained that he was instructed to ride the horse back in the field and obtain a run through the inside when the opportunity arose. Prebble explained that passing the 800 metres he could foresee no opportunity for runs on the inside and so he elected to ride 'Sir Danzabaa' around the field and that the horse's run had finished 200 metres out.The Club Vet reported he could detect no abnormality with the horse.

Race 4 - Neville Hempton Class 1 Handicap - 1221 metres:

Passing the 600 metres 'Laurent' when being eased off the heels of 'Berceuse' shifted in towards the rail and became unbalanced.

Over the concluding stages 'Add Silk' which had been racing greenly was taken out off its course by 'Studebaker' (D Gauci) D Gauci was notified to exercise more care when shifting ground in future.

Race 5 - Carlton Draught/ATA Class 3 Handicap - 1521 metres:

Shortly after the start 'Culzean' was tightened for room and 'Trust'N' Betrayal hampered by 'Bellarine Lad' which shifted out.

Passing the 200 metres 'Mamba' was checked and 'Wild Classic' was tightened for room between 'Jones' which was shifting in and 'Fidel' which after obtaining a narrow run to the outside of 'Richwood Lad' was then taken out by that gelding who had been taken out by 'Trust'N'Betrayal' (M Pegus) who shifted out under pressure. The tightening was aggravated due to the hindquarters of 'Jones' being turned outwards. During the incident 'Fidel' when being taken out also had to be checked. 'Major Fun' who had been held up in the early part of the straight had to change course as a result of this incident and 'Resoundingly' was hampered. After taking into account all of the circumstances the Stewards severely reprimanded M Pegus for permitting his mount to shift out.

Near the 500 metres 'Las Chicas Buenas' which had obtained a narrow run on the inside of 'Vidal' was then checked when tightened for room by that gelding which shifted in away from 'I'm Notti'. J Didham rider of 'Vidal' was severely reprimanded and notified that he would be expected to keep his mount more straight when riding in similar circumstances.

Shortly after straightening 'Las Chicas Buenas' was checked after obtaining a neat run on the inside of 'Vidal' which shifted in slightly under pressure before being straightened.

Race 6 - Wool Exchange Hotel Class 1 Handicap - 1726 metres:

In the early part of the straight 'Demon Pete' was disappointed for a run and 'Dosh' had to change course to obtain a clear run.

Race 7 - Mules of Melbourne Opal Horseshoe Class 3 Handicap - 1321 metres:

No report.

Race 8 - Briseis Gold Cup - 1726 metres:

No report.

SWAB SAMPLES:

Routine swab samples were taken from the following winners today: Race 1 - Bush Honey, Race 3 - Anoint, Race 5 - Jones, Race 7 - Our Heather, Race 8 - Hit The Spot

Race 6 - Murray to Mountains Rail Trial Class 1 Handicap

Monday, 30 September 2002 00:00

Mornington (Vic)

Tuesday, 01 October 2002 00:00

Rail: TRUE POSITION

Riding Changes:

 Race 1 - PETER SHEPPARD FOOTWEAR SV 3YO MAIDEN PLATE (1)- 1000 metres:

When the gates opened. "Swing Shift" was hampered when tightened for room between "Cor Boy" and "She's Our Rosie" which shifted out away from "Caparro". Rounding the turn near the 600m, "Tesoro Mia", which was racing erratically, shifted out and brushed "Mam Jesette" and as a result, G. Mathrick, rider of "Tesoro Mia", became unbalanced. "Tesoro Mia" continued to race erratically for the remainder of the race. Rounding the home turn and in the straight "Cor Boy" hung in under pressure. "Krayzelburg" hung in under pressure in the straight. Approaching the winning post, "Swing Shift" was disappointed when attempting a run between "She's Our Rosie" and "Bold Litigator" when there was insufficient room. The Stewards interviewed Mr. T. Sanza in respect to the behaviour of "Tesoro Mia" and Mr. Sanza notified them that he would be removing the tongue tie from the horse's gear because she resented it. Mr. Sanza was notified that the Stewards were issuing an official warning that if "Tesoro Mia" performed in future, action would be taken. Subsequent to the running of the first race, Stewards upgraded the track to good (12.25pm).

Race 2 - PETER SHEPPARD FOOTWEAR SV 3YO MAIDEN PLATE (2) - 1000 metres:

For a short distance after passing the 500m, "Puzzler" had to be eased off the heels of "Manmade". Rounding the home turn "Kokoda" shifted in and bumped "Manmade" which resulted in "Manmade" becoming unbalanced. After passing the 200m "Swift Rule" had to be eased to avoid the heels of "Mighty Moose" which shifted in when laying in.

Race 3 - SCHWEPPES MAIDEN PLATE - 1200 metres:

Mr B Laming, trainer of "Proud Run", was fined the sum of $50 for the late notification of the mare's rider. On jumping away, "Century's Grand" was bumped by "Royal Performer" which began awkwardly and shifted out. "Miss Kestrel" was slow to begin.

After it was established that M. Horobin who was to ride "Miss Kestrel" in the race had used the sauna when not accredited to do so, the Stewards stood him down from riding "Miss Kestrel" and M.Allen replaced him as the rider of the mare.

It was established that due to a misunderstanding, the Sauna Supervisor was replaced for a short period by a Club employee not conversant with the regulations covering the use of saunas by riders.  M. Horobin stated that he had been riding infrequently lately and as a result, had not been fully aware of the regulations regarding sauna use and had not been aware that he must attend a seminar and sign a waiver in accordance with the regulations covering saunas. It was also established that prior to entering the sauna, M. Horobin's name had been entered on the sauna register by the Club employee who had briefly replaced the Sauna Supervisor acting on the day. After taking into account all the circumstances, the Stewards took no action against M. Horobin but notified him that prior to using a sauna on a racecourse in Victoria in future he must gain the necessary accreditation. The Stewards have discussed with the Mornington Racing Club the circumstances which had led to a person not conversant with the requirements being left to replace the Sauna Supervisor for a short time today.

The Club's Veterinary Surgeon also inspected "Body Board" prior to the event and passed that horse fit to run. As a result of all these incidents the start of the race was considerably delayed.

Acting on a report from the Club's Veterinary Surgeon that "Peregrine Prince" was bleeding from one nostril and unfit to run, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of that gelding at 1.26pm. Subsequently Stewards ordered all monies bet for a win and/or place and concession betting on "Peregrine Prince" to be refunded. All successful bets on horses prior to time of withdrawal of "Peregrine Prince" are subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket:

Win Bets: 13c
Place Bets: 12c
Winning Concession Bets: 14c
Doubles Bets: 13c

All monies bet after the Stewards declaration of withdrawal to be paid at face value of ticket.

Rounding the home turn, R Weymouth, rider of "Body Board" dropped his whip.

Mr. C. Little, trainer of "Piaget" "was fined the sum of $50 for the late notification of that mare's rider.

Race 4 - STEEPLES TABARET MAIDEN PLATE - 2000 metres:

"Just Precious" reared on jumping away and lost ground. Passing the winning post for the first time, "Leica Buck" was tightened for room by "Rhythm Stick", which was taken in by "Manuma" which, after initially shifting in, was taken in further by "British Bounty" which was shifting in. Rounding the home turn "Our Mukaddamah" brushed the rail when racing tight on the inside of "Cyclonic Bay". At the 200m, "Our Mukaddamah" was inconvenienced when tightened for room between "Cyclonic Bay" which was taken in by "Waratah Secret" which shifted in. At the 600m "Leica Buck" had to be checked to avoid the heels of "Diamond Dealer" (N. Callow) which shifted out when not sufficiently clear. N. Callow will be reprimanded and was notified he must ensure he is clear of others when he is shifting ground in future. An inquiry into N. Callow leaving the course without notifying the Stewards was adjourned at a date to be fixed.

Race 5 - EAGLE RIDGE GOLF COURSE SV 3YO CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1500 metres:

No report.

Race 6 - TROA CARLTON DRAUGHT CLASS 5 HANDICAP - 1200 metres:

As "Mandinka (NZ)" was having its first start for trainer Mr. D. Brideoake, who was unaware that the horse had previously raced in blinkers, Stewards permitted "Mandinka (NZ)" to race without blinkers. J. Patton, rider of "Abyssinian" requested to view the Stewards' video of the start of the race prior to having Correct Weight declared. On viewing the Stewards' video it was established that the outside gate on the stall of "Abyssinian" did swing back shortly after the start but whilst the Stewards believe "Abyssinian" was inconvenienced they did not believe it had materially prejudiced the chances of "Abyssinian" in the race and therefore Correct Weight was declared. A veterinary examination subsequent to the event showed no abnormality. On jumping away "Abyssinian" shifted in and tightened "Celtic Trial" on to "Holiday Haze" resulting in both those horses being hampered. Near the 100m "Celtic Trial", which was laying in, shifted in away from "Mr. Printz" which shifted in.

Race 7 - THE ROYAL HOTEL MORNINGTON CLASS 2 HANDICAP - 1200 metres:

"Mr Levi" got his head up on jumping away and lost ground. Near the 200m L. Milham, rider of "Devil's Choice", dropped his whip. "El Questro" broke down in the off foreleg near the winning post .

Race 8 - FULMEN PARK CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 2400 metres:

Round the home turn the first time "Walelle" which was shifting in across the heels of "Our Brave Lady" accidentally clicked that mare's heels.

Race 9 - CARLTON DRAUGHT 4YO & UP CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1500 metres:              

"Jugah Shar" broke through the front of the stalls prior to the start for a short distance and before being returned to the start. "Jugah Shar" was subsequently withdrawn from the race on veterinary advice at 5.01pm. "Intrusive", after being loaded in the barrier, reared over backwards and became cast. "Intrusive" was examined by the Club Veterinary Surgeon and was withdrawn from the race at 5.01pm and subsequently Stewards ordered all monies bet for a win and/or place and concession betting on "Intrusive" and "Jugah Shar" to be refunded. All successful bets on horses prior to time of withdrawal of "Intrusive" and "Jugah Shar" are subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket:
Win Bets: 6c
Place Bets: 7c
Winning Concession Bets: 6c
Doubles Bets: 6c

All monies bet after the Stewards declaration of withdrawal to be paid at face value of ticket. As a result of these incidents the start of the race was delayed. Mrs. L. Haworth, trainer of "Intrusive" was notified that the gelding was suspended from racing until such time as the horse performs to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a trial at which time it must attain a barrier certificate. Approaching the 1100m "Baracoa" which was over racing had to be checked for some distance off the heels of "Mondavi". "Baracoa", in attempting to avoid the heels of "Mondavi" attempted to shift out and made contact with "Our Orange Roughy". Round the home turn "Marrisk" was hampered initially by "Baracoa" which when weakening shifted out and then by "Purely Gold" which shifted in. Shortly after this incident "Mayman" which had a tendency to lay out had to be checked to avoid the heels of "Baracoa" which shifted in when weakening.

SWAB SAMPLES:

The following horses were pre-race tested for post race analysis:
Race 5: No. 7 "Chevignon"
Race 8: No. 6 "Achener"
No. 10 "Ruby Jude"
No. 11 "Star Flight"

Random swab samples were taken from:
No.4 "Krayzelburg" - fourth place getter in Race 1
No.8 "Shellshocked" - winner of Race 7
No.5 "Our Fireman Sam" - winner of Race 8

 EXPLANATIONS:

Race 3 - Wangaratta Textiles Festival F&M Class 3 Handicap

Monday, 30 September 2002 00:00

Laxon Wins Hoysted Award

Tuesday, 01 October 2002 00:00

Caulfield and Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Sheila Laxon has won the 2002 Fred Hoysted Award for the outstanding training performance in Victoria during the 2001/2002 season.

The "40-something" New Zealander polled 78 votes to defeat Fred Kersley (47 votes) and Brian Mayfield-Smith (35 votes) when Australasia’s training heavyweights were honoured tonight as part of the Spring Racing Carnival gala celebration at Crown Palladium.

The award is named in honour of the late Fred Hoysted who won the Victorian Trainers Premiership a record 17 times and was recently inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.

Sheila Laxon won the award for her marvellous achievements with the brilliant mare Ethereal, which took out the double of the Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup and Tooheys New Melbourne Cup in brilliant style. In doing so, Ethereal became only the third mare to win both Cups in the same year.

Laxon also claimed her place in history by becoming the first woman to train the winner of the race that "stops a nation".

Sheila endeared herself to Melbourne's race crowds with her ready smile and down-to-earth style and she now becomes only the fifth winner of Victorian racing's highest award for training.

Laxon was born in Pontypridd, South Wales, and has spent the past 20 years in New Zealand.

Before emigrating, she spent time with the top English trainer John Dunlop, riding work at his base in Arundel, Sussex.

She only took up training a decade ago after she was almost killed in a race fall and spent eight days in a coma, where doctors feared she might never walk again.

Ethereal's dramatic win, ahead of English raiders Give the Slip and Persian Punch, capped Laxon's remarkable recovery, and completed the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double.

"Some people thought I couldn't do it so I'm glad to have vindicated everyone who kept faith in me," said Laxon.

Throughout the 2001/02 racing season, a panel of 18 judges evaluated the most outstanding training performances at race meetings held in Victoria. At the end of each month, the judges voted - on a 3-2-1 basis - for their choice for the monthly award.

The final voting for the 2002 Fred Hoysted Award is listed below:

Trainer (Votes)
Sheila Laxon ( 78 )
Fred Kersley ( 47 )
Brian Mayfield-Smith ( 35 )
Lee Freedman ( 23 )
John Wheeler ( 20 )
John Hawkes ( 19 )
Brian Cox ( 11 )
Rick Hore-Lacy ( 8 )
Tony McEvoy ( 7 )
Robert Smerdon ( 5 )

The twelve monthly awards were won by:
Tony Noonan (Aug)
Fred Kersley (Sept)
Fred Kersley (Oct)
Sheila Laxon (Nov)
Brian Cox (Dec)
David Hall (Jan)
Rick Hore-Lacy (Feb)
Brian Mayfield-Smith (Mar)
John Hawkes (Apr)
Eric Musgrove (May)
Robert Smerdon (Jun)
John Wheeler (July)

PICS - Quentin Lang.

Media Release - Racing Victoria

Race 1 - King Valley Wine Region Maiden Plate

Monday, 30 September 2002 00:00

Race 7 - Wangaratta Festival of Jazz Class 2 Handicap

Monday, 30 September 2002 00:00

Wangaratta Race Report

Monday, 30 September 2002 00:00